Newsletter Stories

March 19, 2014

Based on input from certified companies, FSC has increased the time to phase in the new Online Claims Platform (OCP), which is being developed to ensure the accuracy of FSC claims and protect the value of the FSC brand.

To support the OCP rollout, FSC International launched a new website with information about the OCP: ocp-info.fsc.org.

The website provides information about the functionality and timelines of the OCP, with user manuals, information on the tools and features and an extensive FAQ.

In addition to launching the information website, the OCP beta version has also been released for testing. The goal of the OCP is to serve as a digital platform that connects certified FSC suppliers and customers, so both trading partners can confirm claims for FSC-certified products.

The OCP is in a testing phase that will be open for much of this year. Certificate holders are invited to try a demo version by visiting http://ocp-info.fsc.org/, where you will find a link to request OCP registration information.

FSC encourages all certificate holders to test the system, on either through the demo mode – where information is not live, and will be deleted periodically – or on the live system, where information is permanently recorded and can be used in Chain of Custody auditing. FSC has introduced this prolonged testing phase to allow all certificate holders the opportunity to assess the OCP and provide feedback to FSC for consideration, so that the design may be optimized.

This extended testing period is designed to give certificate holders time to become comfortable with the OCP system before it is required, as was suggested during a recent stakeholder consultation.

If you are interested in learning more about the OCP, sign-up for a one-hour Webinar by following the links to one of the times below.

As part of the testing phase, the OCP Terms and Conditions of Use (T&Cs) have been released for stakeholder consultation to gather feedback on their applicability. Once finalized, the T&Cs will form an agreement that is required to use the OCP.

FSC is accepting comments for 60 days, starting from February 14, 2014. Input will be used to revise and update the T&Cs before any mandatory requirement is set for OCP usage.

To find out more about the OCP testing phase visit ocp-info.fsc.org where you can also find details about how to activate your own OCP demo account and try it yourself.

FSC encourages certificate holders to provide input on the OCP through the testing period. Ensuring FSC claims are accurate is critical to all of us, and your participation and feedback is important.